(File photo/battlefordsNOW staff)

By Angela Brown

RCMP investigation

One of suspects in Gatzke homicide has case adjourned

Mar 10, 2021 | 12:25 PM

One of the four suspects related to the death of Ryan John Gatzke in 2019 had his case adjourned in North Battleford provincial court Wednesday.

Charles Michael Lewis McLean, 23, of North Battleford is charged with manslaughter, unauthorized possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle, and break and enter with intent to commit an indictable offence.

McLean’s appearance was waived in court. His case had been adjourned to May 12 at 11 a.m. McLean must continue to abide by a no contact order.

Three other suspects are also facing several charges.

Jacob Joseph Ballantyne, 25, of Edam, is charged with second-degree murder, break and enter with intent to commit an indictable offence, disguise with intent, carry a weapon for the purpose of committing an offence, pointing a firearm, possession of a firearm without a licence, unauthorized possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle, and possession of a restricted firearm while prohibited.

Battle of the Battlefords

NBCHS junior A girls win it all in home volleyball tournament

7h ago

Battlefords North Stars

Getting ready for Nipawin and new signing from BCHL

10h ago

Sask Energy

Natural Gas flaring being done in Meota

13h ago

Ballantyne’s case has been set for a preliminary hearing Oct. 18 at 9:30 a.m.

Isaac Melko, 22, of North Battleford, is charged with second-degree murder, break and enter with intent to commit an indictable offence, disguise with intent, carry a weapon for the purpose of committing an offence, possession of a firearm without a licence, and unauthorized possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle.

Melko is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Oct. 25 at 9:30 a.m.

An 18-year-old male North Battleford resident was 17 years old at the time of incident and cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. He is charged with second-degree murder, break and enter with intent to commit an indictable offence, disguise with intent, carry a weapon for the purpose of committing an offence, possession of a firearm without a licence, unauthorized possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle, and possession of a restricted firearm while prohibited.

Gatzke, 27, was found with serious injuries in a Battleford home on Oct. 18, 2019, and later declared deceased after being taken to hospital.

The allegations against the accused individuals have not been proven in court.

–

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW